Marathon workout produces results for Alzheimer’s

RAISING FUNDS FOR ALZHEIMER'S

Photo by Bev McMullen

A 24-hour workout to fight Alzheimer’s is taking place today (Jan. 31) until noon on Saturday, Feb. 1 in the studio at Snap Fitness, Bracebridge. The event includes a silent auction sponsored by local businesses, and a variety of fitness classes to be held every few hours. Here, Chris Kenny and Matt Gilroy are seen just four hours into their workout marathon.

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From noon on Jan. 31 until noon on Feb. 1, Bracebridge Metro store manager Chris Kenny and Port Carling volunteer firefighter Matt Gilroy worked out non-stop to raise funds for the Alzheimer Society of Muskoka.

Despite sore muscles and sleep deprivation, Gilroy and Kenny said they enjoyed taking part in a variety of classes, from kickboxing to Zumba, and challenging each other to multiple training circuits.

According to Kenny he lost six pounds.

Gym members Derek Simson and Jared Willans also stayed the full 24 hours, working out and keeping Gilroy and Kenny motivated and entertained, especially through the night, which the duo said was the most difficult to endure.

“Once people started showing up again the next morning we started getting our energy back,” said Kenny following the event.

Through donations and a silent auction, the event raised more than $900.

According to Long, the highest grossing item was custom car detailing from Muskoka Kia.

He said the community really came through in support of the event.

“Incredible how many people donated items or money,” said Long. “Pita Pit donated pitas and Domino’s donated pizza for the guys as well.”

Long said the instructors volunteered to lead all of the additional classes held during the event, which were open to the public.

“Saturday morning the gym was packed with people attending an extra yoga class, working out and bidding last minute on the auction items, which closed at 11 a.m.,” he said. “We had people from as far away as Barrie joining us.”

Kenny and Gilroy are already planning for next year’s event and are hoping to raise even more funds and recruit more sponsors the second time around.